I&B Ministry Issues Orders To Block Pakistan-based OTT App

A Pakistan-based OTT app was banned by the Center on Monday for airing material that was negatively affecting national security.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B Ministry) gave instructions to block the website, two mobile applications, four social media accounts, and one smart TV app of Pakistan-based OTT provider Vidly TV using emergency powers granted by the IT Rules 2021.

The web series "Sevak: The Confessions," which was recently released by Vidly TV, was deemed "corrupting the  national security, sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, India's friendly relations with foreign states, and public order in the country," according to officials.  The webseries had aired three episodes already.

According to sources, the show's debut episode, which aired on 26 November—the anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks—shows "skewed renditions of important Indian historical events. 

As per the ministry officials, the show projected an anti-India narrative on touchy themes such Operation Bluestar, the destruction of the Babri Masjid, the murder of Christian missionary Graham Staines, the Malegaon and Samjhauta Express bombings, and the inter-state river water conflicts.

The I&B Ministry had asked YouTube to take down 45 videos from its 10 channels in September because they contained "false news and altered films intended at promoting hate among religious communities.”

Union I&B Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said that this is an ongoing process and action will be taken against all similar sites and channels in the future as well.